Dietary supplements and nutrient insufficiency in children

Research from the Office of Dietary Supplements published in The Journal of Pediatrics reports shocking findings that more than one-third of children failed to meet calcium and vitamin D recommendations.

The researchers analyzed data for 7,250 children ages 2-18 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2006 (NHANES).

Data revealed that supplement use was 21% for children <2 years and 42% for children 2-8 years. Calcium and vitamin D intakes were low for all children.

The researchers also found a higher incidence of inadequate intake among non supplement users for magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin A, C, and E. The researchers do report that supplement use was associated with intakes above the recommended upper limit for zinc, folic acid, and vitamins A and C among supplement users.

Lead author of the study, Regan Bailey, PhD, RD, concludes:

“Even with the use of supplements, more than a one-third of children failed to meet calcium and vitamin D recommendations. These findings may have implications for reformulating dietary supplements for children.”